Bell named to Hernando County bench

Barbara-Jo Bell of Spring Hill has been named to serve as Judge on the Hernando County Court. She assumes the judicial post to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Kristie Healis. Healis is now serving as a Judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

For the past year, The Spring Hill resident has served as an assistant state attorney in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Previously, she worked as an assistant public defender.

Bell holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa, and earned her law degree at Stetson University. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the appointment on Aug. 5. She was unavailable to comment on the appointment.